MOUNTAIN BUGGY - CAN YOU HELP ME CHOOOSE!?

[BUSTERTHEDOG]

E3 EXPLORER vs EASYLIFE SPORT vs MOUUNTAIN BUGGY - SOMEONE HELP ME CHOOSE!

My son is 2.5 years old and I want a suitable buggy for walking the dog etc, that will last til he's about 5 if poss.

Which is lightest / best out of these - has anyone pushed them all?

BTW, cp, if you manage to understand the difference between the two types of seat (recline vs. hammock) on the Terrain I'd be interested in receiving an education !

Don't have time to read all the comments, but I had (have - but ds is now 4) a terrain, which I loved. I never found the lack of a swivel front wheel a problem vis a vis steering - the MB is so well balanced you don't even notice when you are "lifting and turning". It is however, a wee bit bulky - both in the boot of a car and also steering amongst cloth racks in shops!

We did buy a Mclaren when he was 11 months old, to take with us on holiday to Skiathos - but then decided to take the MB with us to SOuth Africa 2 months later (Skiathos was a "trial" run) as it was so much easier to manouevre! (although the Mclaren was easier to keep in the boot of the car - so tended to use it for "shopping" runs)

Hear that cp ???

Thanks Prettybird. BTW: Wise move not reading the posts. We're boring ourselves now...

Hub - I'd love to enlighten you with a review of a hands on experience of the recline seat vs the hammock. Sadly, I didn't come across any shops that had it! I might send Nigel another email. I'm intrigued as to hear esactly how the hammock seat is more shock absorbing. All I know is is that the hammock has only 2 positions and you unzip to get it into the lower position.

yes, I think in testing both the Terrain and the Urban inside the small store, obviously the Urban is going to come out better. I coudn't get dp to visualise being out in the field with them. And he was on the phone most of the time and only gave them a perfunctory twizzle anyway. He's at that stage with me where he's given up I think and will let me get what I want. Although he still says he prefers the Urban..... Didn't try lifting them whilst folded - I forgot to try folding them , but did pick them up whilst unfolded - I know what you mean about that extra kilo making a difference.

Prettybird - thank you for your post - another happy Terrain user!

Still don't know.

I've killed our piece of sh*t washing machine once and for all this week so now have to research those Serves me right for not doing my homework last time! It's only just 3 years old!

Ha, found this thread finally -I wondered where you had all disappeared to! I too was watching the MB on ebay Charleypops - felt like emailing the mug that bought it to tell them about Nigel's offer!!!
Still hoping dh will bring MB back from US, but not having much luck with replies to emails. Thought I'd get it with the travel bag so he can disguise it a bit to bring it back through customs! A bit worried that he will have to assemble it - I tend to do the diy in our house!..
Hub2dee - did you try either MB with a child in them? I'm sure the terrain is easy to turn empty, but with 2 stone inside?... Have only skimmed the posts, so may have missed something..?

Charleypops - on washing machines, we splashed out and bought a Miele washer/dryer 2yrs ago after a similar experience - definitely worth it. Do you ever actually buy anything or just research it?!!!!!! Maybe you should go and work for Which?!!!

Andif - well done for finding us! I wouldn't worry about customs? If he removes the sales tags and stuff how are they going to know he didn't bring it with him? Of course, they could find out if they did an investigation - but really, are they going to bother? I do all the diy in our house too. The last thing dp put together was a set of wicker drawers. After tantrums and tears, he finally kind of managed to do it - unfortunately half the drawer sides are inside out and one the side frame thingies is upside down.....

Having a toddler inside the MBs was something that occured to me the other day, but then I thought, re the Terrain, if it's a bit harder to lift up kerbs in town, the Urban will be worse on rough ground. So swings and roundabouts....

I'd LOVE to work for Which - my dream job! (probably Hub's too) So far I have bought absolutely nothing for the baby who is due in June . I might bite the bullet and order some muslins and a couple of wraps today though (well, this week) from the NappyLady I have however, utilised the internet recently in the purchase of my shower (Aqualisa Digital Quartz) and a shower door. I will not touch another washer dryer after my disppointment with my current one - DO NOT EVER BUY AN ARISTON MARGHERITA 2000! I've since discovered they are notorious for breaking down. I was lucky to get 3 years out of it. I've heard Miele is a good make - so good luck with it. I'm going to start my research on washing machines tonight. Joy.

Just found this thread whilst looking for one on coffee makers and, without reading through it all, just wanted to say how much I love my double mountain buggy urban. My children are now 1 and 4 and I have used it, with the carrycot initially, since my 1 year old was born. It is such a joy to push, one handed when holding my four year old's hand or even heavily laden with bags hanging off the back, that I now walk much more than I did when I only had one child and a mamas and papas travel system. Have just bought a travel bag from Chariots, who I have always found very helpful and quick, to take it to Cyprus this summer. Its first trip on a 'plane! (Took it to France in the car last year). Hope it gets there okay or I'll be devasted (and rather stuck!)

hi cp and h2d - the people inreading town centre must now think that i'm a crazy buggy obsessed woman. i saw 2 women walking through the town centre, one had an mb terrain and one had a mb urban (they were ebst freinds as i later discovered), so in the interest in research for you 2 i asked if they had any opinions on either type. the one with the urban said i love mine but.... i wish i got the terrain and the one that had the terrain said i really really like mine but.....i really want the urban now.
i laughed and suggested that they swap! we then discussed mumsnet and they are going look out for you both and give their opinions on good/bad points.
i think it goes back to what i said before whichever one you get, you'll love but may have that nagging feeling that you should have got the other one!
no offence spottydog, but from experience it doesn't matter how much you research your purchases before hand, until you use the item with the baby, you can't get a real idea of how it'll feel. (she says after countless buggies, and probably thousands of pounds spent! i thought jane powertrack was the perfect system until i had used it both on and off road and then was scared that it would buckle off roading. whereas the mb urban although not recommended for off road has been fantastic where ever i have taken it)

andif - I have no child yet and the fetus only weighs a few hundred grams, so that's not much use I did, however, put a wooden 'alphabet walker' (new-in-box) in the MB seat and pretended that was dd and tried to push / tip etc.

It was fine.

You know how sometimes you see shopping trolley wheels going crazy, or strollers with small, solid swivel wheels jumping around like they're on acid... the Urban with its swivel wheel inherits the tendency to take the path of least resistance. It won't spin in a ridiculous fashion, but it turns constantly.... that is why the Terrain is easier to push.

If you want to do stroller ballet, the Urban might be better.

cp: Second the Miele shout. They cost more and are simpler and stronger. Built to last. Industrial stuff. I just posted on Twiglett's oven thread a phone number to a trade dealer. Find yourself a business, get your act together, ask no questions and order through them. (Search 'Miele' in Current threads - hope they're still in business).

The lady in my shop assembed the Terrain from 'new-in-box' in less than 3 minutes. You need a teensy bit of brute force (supplied, ahem, by my good, strong self) to spread the forks apart for the front wheel, but it's v. straight forward. Even your dhs should be fine.

cp: NB: Terrain is easier to get up kerbs: it is lighter, the front wheel won't swivel in the air and as the balance is more to the rear, you need apply less downward force to achieve the same 'nose lift' as on an Urban.... plus, as guru Nigel mentioned, you need to push / flex / push on an '05 Urban as it has that plastic adjustable handle.

cp, my twin, lost at birth, I run two Aqualisa quartz units off a combi boiler (so the unpumped model). No probs at all.

vickiyumyum... we look forward to welcoming the poor women you scared to death with buggy freakiness.

cp: Get the Terrain.

PMSL vicki at you accosting those strangers - I must admit I'd've found two ladies walking side by side with one of each irrisistable too How funny that they each coveted the other's! I think you're right - whichever I go for, I will have that nagging doubt ... At least I'm sure I'm going to love having a MB! I do hope they discover us here on MN - I bet they had exactly these same concerns and bored each other rigid!

ha ha hub - wasn't there a Stokke Explory ballet a while ago? you're saying all the right things about my perfect washing machine - simple, strong, built to last. INDUSTRIAL! Haven't had chance yes to start on the washing machine hunt in earnest yet, but will definitely by giving the Mieles a grilling, along with the Boschs which seem to be favoured here on there washer/dryer forum. But not getting a w/d - I think separate will work better - so I can simultaneously wash AND dry - how exciting! At this point in the proceedings, I'm thinking that I might order my new machine/s from John Lewis as they apparently have great customer service.

Hub - I think you're going for the Terrain aren't you?!

I feel totally vindicated on my choice shower now said that's what you have - although i think you are being slightly flash have two Mine is unpumped off a combi too!

I'm still in Terrain/Urban no man's land.....

Oscarsmum - did you find a coffee maker? In my house it's called a "Charleypops" Would love a cappucino maker though (probably not the washing up though! Those twin MBs are very highly regarded aren't they? I've come across loads of sites recommending them. Who knows - might be looking at one for myself in a couple of years.... Hope the baggage handlers don't mess with it - maybe you dhould invest in a few "handle with care" and "fragile" stickers?

cp: Yes, Terrain. It's the right decision for you and me.

Bosch for fridge / freezer / dishwasher. Miele for clothes washing and drying. You will NOT regret it.

Trust me.

You just don't want me banging on about what a breeze I've had pottering and swivelling round various/garden/antique centre/brocante etc ...

On the other hand I don't want you telling me how you and your baby zoomed up Ben Nevis or went racing round the peaks and not breaking stride once....

What washer/dryer model do you have btw? How long have you have it/them??

cp: Washer was cheapest / simplest which hit 1600 rpm spin speed (W980). Felt that was good to get as much moisture out of clothes prior to drying in Condensing tumble dryer (T650C I think). Get a condensor and pipe condensate out to washing machine drain to avoid big hose through room... Got a stacking kit too to put the dryer on top of the washer so footprint remains low. John Lewis is good with Miele, but if you can, order trade for deep discounts.

Had 'em 5 1/2 years maybe ? (Just washing 2 adults mind you, no baby stuff yet)... no problems to report.

Ref: Urban / Terrain... that's just the point cp: possibly the Urban is better in shops / flea markets, but how much of your life do you actually spend weaving in and out of the crowd ? I think you spend more of it walking somewhere, IYSWIM. Further, Urban has the extra width which will inconvenience people even more in crowded situations...

Thankyou cp and h2d for cheering me up! This thread always makes me giggle! Had dreadful day yesterday (combination of hormones and dh!) and have just come back from walking dog in pouring rain, who rolled in various disgusting things along the way! Apart from that, cp I would definitely recommend a flat-coated retriever as your next dog!!! Ours is 7 months old and gorgeous - fantastic natured with the kids, a bit loopy, but very trainable. Perfect family dog (and chocolate which makes him a great accessory!)
Definitely go for Miele - everyone warned me I would be disappointed with a washer/dryer, but definitely not - it is the only brand that can combine both successfully.
I'm getting drawn into the terrain/urban thing. Thought I had definitely decided urban, but not sure now....is this indecision catching..? (can't decide )

Cp, if you find a shop that stocks both, I'll meet you there as I think we live in a similar area! I could bring my 5 yr old to test them as they say they go up to approx age 5. (Might have to bribe him to sit in it, but he loves accessories, so could be easy!) Went to school in Reigate and was there last Sat so think I know the shop.

Well hello buggy geeks - still going then?! You wait when darling sproglets arrive you will be dreaming of endlessly surfing the net for the nuances of every product. Thanks to you guys I realised that the covers on my Urban could be washed! It now looks brand new - put them in the washing machine (Miele!!) so pleased they were covered in mud and livestock shit!

Just something about the seat - it is always slightly reclined unlike more conventional buggies with rails where you can sit child in a more upright position. My DS found it a little frustrating when he wanted to sit upright to have a good gawp at the world but was unable to sit up on his own, he struggled to get fully upright for a while and I used to stick in a cushion to prop him up. With the Urban you can hike up the back of the seat with the straps to get it in the most upright position - can you do that with the terrain?

Charleypops Miele's are really worth the extra cost I've got the Washing Machine and Dryer both in constant use. Crapola dishwasher broke and guess what it was an Ariston! Got the Miele dishwasher it's great and so quiet. My in laws Miele's have been going for 35 years, pretty amazing.

We'll turn the thread into a Miele fan club then !

Glad to have bought a sparkle to your day, andif, with our lunacy.

Will throughly consider seat angles until brain explodes. Thanks for the 'heads-up' (geddit ?), jojo28.

We'll turn the thread into a Miele fan club then !

Glad to have bought a sparkle to your day, andif, with our lunacy.

Will throughly consider seat angles until brain explodes. Thanks for the 'heads-up' (geddit ?).

Andif - it's a shop called "Outdoor..." something, maybe "Adventures"? right opposite Bell Street Carpark. I went there already on Monday. That was my first ever trip into Reigate - everybody we came across while we were there was ridiculously friendly! Is Reigate notorious for this?

I'm so glad my dog isn't interested in poo (apart from the occasional nibble on a horse "road apple" - I know a lot who are . I've washed several dogs clean of eau de fox in my bath (used to do a bit of professional dog walking)

Thing is, as I experienced in the confines of the shop, the Urban comes across as the better pushchair. You should definitely go and have a fiddle with them. the Terrain is in the window and I was offered a discount, though didn't enquire what it was, as I'm sure even with a discount it wouldn't be as bargainous as a package deal from Chariots. You're lucky you live so close - I had a devil of a job trying to find anywhere nearish that had both on the shop floor. I think dp and I might even travel down to Chariots in Devon to see if they'll let us do a proper outdoor test drive. Decide then and there which we want and actually BUY IT

Thanks for the Miele recommendations - I've started looking them today. They certainly seem to be highly regarded. Can't find your W980 though Hub - maybe they call it something else now? I quite like the look of the W3444WPS, so next thing to do is to find the best deal. I can't believe they come with free 10 year parts and labour cover! If I'd bought the 3 year cover with my piece of shit machine, I'd've been paying about the same price in total as one of these Mieles! Quite into the idea now of having a separate washer and dryer - I didn't know you could direct the dryer hose through the machine how clever! I wonder if the walls of the washer and dryer remain cool enough so I could stack them right next to the fridge? If I can do this then I might be able to get a dishwasher too

jojo - another Miele fan. Do you think there's a word for people like us?? Can't remember if you have have the recline seat or zip up hammock seat on your MB?

Oo you live and learn don't you??

cp: can you clairfy (for my sick amusement and curiosity) what exactly about the Urban made it come across as the better buggy in the showroom ? Was it just that it is easier to push in circles ? Do you do much of that in RL ??????

Miele change the numbers occasionally to make everyone want newer models I guess. Your spec. looks v. similar to mine.

Just to clarify re: hose from dryer - you don't actually route it into the machine... there is a separate internal system which passes the hot steamy air from the clothes drying activity over a cold metal grid. The water which condenses on this grid thingy and is pumped to waste out of a small pipe (a bit like dishwasher waste pipe) which you typically then connect up to the drain outlet nearby (where the washing machine is connected).

The alternative is to collect the condensed water in its container, but you'll need to empty this every few loads... (but you still wouldn't need the massive hose thingy)...

HTH

Basically it just swivelled around in a tiny space but you're right - I don't suppose I can see myself pushing the pushchair around in circles much Mainly it's dp saying how much he liked it and pricking me with doubt. Today I think the best thing to do is to get the Terrain and then a little fold up pushchair jobby for the shops etc. I'll have to find a bumper bar to fit though. I suppose I could get one made...? Did your dw try them both out? Is she of the same opinion as you? I think she's about the same size as me - 5'1" ish?

Thanks for clarifying re the dryer. I'm quite excited about getting my new washer! How hot does the outside of your washer and dryer get? have you ever noticed?

Cp, the extremes you'll go to!! If you're off to Devon, I've seen a bargain cot on ebay that is collect only from Sidmouth.....fancy doing a courier service....?!!

Hi cp - sorry forgot to answer your positioning query...

Washer doesn't get noticeably hot. Dryer gets noticeably warm, but does throw out hot air forward through its vent. A fridge also vents out heat through heat exchange of the coolant in those funny 'radiator systems' on the back / underneath etc...

I would think it's fine to put them next to each other - esp. as dryer throws heat forwards, and fridge tends to lose heat backwards. You can stack dryer on washer if that helps. The 'stacker' joining piece is designed with a fullsize pull out shelf for supporting a basket of clothes / unlucky baby etc.

Ref: MB - yep DW tried them and despite loving the pink 'flower' design on the Urban, she preferred the lightness and easy to tip nose and narrowness of the Terrain. She is 5' 4 or 5 I think. Kind of average height. The handlebar height was fine for both of us (I'm 5 ' 10 AND A HALF).

Spinning buggies in circles or doing tiny circuits of 1 - 2m radius will always make the Urban look better. As you say though, for shops / buses etc. we'll probably end up with an umbrella stroller and you can use that for buggy ballet.